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Monthly Archives: February 2013

Kind of piggy-backing the parent-coach relationship topic, this strand focuses specifically on handling the unrealistic expectations a parent has for his son or daughter. See if you have been in a situation similar to this one: The head coach of a program sends out a weekly online publication that highlights the things that went on throughout the program, from the youth league all the way up through varsity action. The parent of a JUNIOR who is playing JUNIOR VARSITY ball takes exception that her son did not get more recognition in the online publication for scoring 27 points in a JV game, stating that her son’s only chance at a going to college is a basketball scholarship and the coach’s lack of recognizing the young man’s accomplishments in the publication was “hurting his exposure and costing him a chance at that scholarship”.

Now, any coach knows the colleges aren’t scouting juniors at the JV level, but that is beside the point. How does a coach handle this parent, a person who is attempting to get the ear of the administration and board of education over a perceived slighting of her son? (Administrators would be welcome to jump in here, too.)

As we approach the home stretch of our seasons and tounament preparation begins, it might be nice to pick up a fresh practice idea. Share your favorite practice segments with your fellow hoops CEO’s here.

The parent-coach relationship is often at the center of controversy but most coaches agree that positive ones are often at the heart of a strong program. This post welcomes candid comments from both parties to facilitate a discussion that is productive for all. What do both sides see as the essentials in making this relationship positive for coach, player and program–or is that even possible?

As a head coach, Randy Montgomery is one of the best in the nation at creating an elaborate youth program–one which has served as the feeder system that has fueled a career now approaching 600 wins. Coach Montgomery details much of what goes into his youth developmental plan in The Best-Laid Plans of a High School Basketball CEO. . . In this post, coaches are asked to share the most innovative basketball opportunity they offer the youth in their communities.

Today I went to watch our East Canton Middle School 7th grade team play in the conference tournament cionship game and my thoughts on how important the coaches are at that level were reaffirmed: having competent coaches who can teach the fundamentals of the game while implementing the basics of the program’s system of play is an immesurable asset for a program.

We are lucky to have two great ones in Joe Cartwright and Josh Smith at East Canton. They not only helped a very nice group of players win the championship but also prepared them to become future varsity players. In my experience as a head coach, this consistently pays off at the varsity level.

In this case, Joe and Josh are a couple of young and aspiring head coaches who are not too far removed from their playing days. I prefer youthful ambitious coaches at the middle school level although, In other cases I have seen that a more experienced coach who is happy at the middle school level can be just as effective. Looking for coaches to join the blog and share their thoughts, as this topic could be helpful for head coaches and young people just starting